JACKSON, MI — Jackson Public Schools plans to beef up its staff and student tobacco and nicotine policy by including e-cigarettes and other newer nicotine devices.

The proposed policy will be discussed at the 6 p.m. Oct. 1 school board meeting at the Middle School at Parkside. No action will be taken at that meeting. The proposed policy is expected to be adopted at the Nov. 5 meeting.

The issue arose when Rhonda Rudolph, coordinator for the Jackson County Tobacco Reduction Coalition, asked the district’s human resources committee to consider making the changes to the current policy.

The language in the policy also includes chewing tobacco and strips that may contain nicotine.

The proposed policy does not include banning products classified as nicotine “replacement therapy” prescribed by a physician to help smokers quit. These could include nicotine lozenges, gum and patches.

Students who violate the policy would be subject to discipline, which could include expulsion from school. Staff would also notify the parents or guardians.